Nicki Minaj isn’t holding back any punches when it comes to airing her grievances regarding payments from JAY-Z’s former streaming service, TIDAL. The rapper claims she hasn’t seen a single penny from the platform.
Nicki Minaj, known for her numerous hits, was one of the big names who helped JAY-Z launch TIDAL in a star-studded event nine years ago. Alongside Kanye West, Rihanna, Beyoncé, J. Cole, and Usher, these artists were introduced as co-owners of the company. Each reportedly received a three percent equity in exchange for exclusive content that aimed to boost subscriber numbers.
However, despite the reported equity, Nicki says she hasn’t received any money from the deal. Responding to a comment on Akademiks’ TikTok page, she wrote, ‘I didn’t even get one red penny when no one promoted it more than me outside of Beyoncé. lol chi.’
This isn’t the first time Nicki’s frustrations with JAY-Z have surfaced. She recently went on a social media rant, accusing him of blocking Lil Wayne from performing at next year’s Super Bowl halftime show in New Orleans, apparently due to personal grudges. She wrote, ‘Denying a young black man what he rightfully put into this game for no other reason but your ego. Your hatred for BIRDMAN, Drake & Nicki got you punishing Lil Wayne?!?!!! LIL WAYNE!!!!!!!!!! THE GOAT?!!!!!!!!!!!’
Adding fuel to the fire, she also tweeted, ‘Got everything in the world. Still spiteful & evil. Disgusting. Be happy Abeg. Go be fkng happy n!gg@!!!!!!!! In rap business. In women business. When you got the Politicians & the police you good tho. Plus dat ugly laughy taffy alien.’
The rap world took notice when Kendrick Lamar was announced to headline the Super Bowl LIX halftime show, an event organized by JAY-Z and Roc Nation. Nicki clarified she had no disrespect towards Kendrick, stating, ‘You can love & respect Kendrick and still love & respect Wayne. Even Kendrick loves & respects Wayne. Every real rapper loves & respects Wayne.’
Additionally, at the time of the TIDAL sale to Jack Dorsey’s Square, Inc. for $302 million, conflicting reports surfaced. While some claimed that superstar co-owners retained their stakes, others argued that each artist received almost $9 million from the deal.
In the midst of financial and personal grievances, Nicki Minaj continues to voice her discontent, shining a light on the complexities of business deals in the music industry.
